Lockdown slows works on Goulburn's Performing Arts and Aquatic Centres

NSW COVID-19 restrictions have impacted work on the development of two major projects in the NSW Southern Tablelands city of Goulburn.

Since lockdown measures were introduced just a quarter of the usual workforces have been on site at the regional cities new Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic and Leisure Centre redevelopment.

Explaining the delay, Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Bob Kirk advised “like anyone else trying to build at the moment, we are facing some difficulties that unfortunately will mean delays in completion of projects.

“It has become nearly impossible for our project managers at the Performing Arts Centre and Aquatic Centre to access labour out of Sydney and Canberra for the projects due to lockdowns. I know we have been trying to utilise local tradespeople where possible but the reality is most of our locals are engaged in projects already so we have been unable to make up the shortfall.”

With both the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre having been scheduled to be completed and opened in February next year, Mayor Kirk added “both projects will likely have extended practical completion dates, and we will keep the community updated however it is difficult to know just how long they will be delayed until restrictions are eased. When they are eased we hope both projects will ramp back up quickly.”

Zauner Constructions is constructing the $18.95 million Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, which is an adaptive re-use of the former town hall and McDermott Centre.

Despite the challenges, internal wall framing in the auditorium is reported to be continuing although Gyprock lining was delayed because tradespeople could not reach the site.

Theatre rigging equipment has also been installed and glazing work on the back of house and the auditorium finished.

The Council recently advertised for a Venue Coordinator, to oversee daily operations. The role complements that of recently appointed Performing Arts Centre Manager, Raina Savage.

In July, work on the $29.87 million Aquatic and Leisure Centre saw the pool hall roof installed and external wall framing commenced. Render work also prepared for the way for pool tiling in August and a former toilet block was demolished.

Commenting on the work, Goulburn Mulwaree Council's Operations Director Matt O'Rourke said he was working with contractors to fully understand the effect on timelines.

O'Rourke told the Goulburn Post "I can't give enough praise to the contractors (FDC Contracting) because I believe it's really moving forward

"The work has slowed a bit but nonetheless they will still push to get out of there by early in the New Year."

The project includes a new eight-lane indoor pool, a leisure pool, hydrotherapy facility, change rooms, cafe, 350 metre² gym, new entrance and expanded car park, and repair of expansion joints in the existing 50-metre outdoor pool.

Subject to lockdown easing, Goulburn Mulwaree Council expect to be able to confirm and publicise dates for the opening of both facilities towards the end of the year.

Images: Concepts for the Goulburn Performing Arts Centre (top) and Goulburn Aquatic and Leisure Centre (middle) and work in progress at the Performing Arts Centre at the end of August (below). Credit: Goulburn Mulwaree Council.